Nurturing Success: The Vital Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

Have you ever worked with someone who just seemed to 'get' people effortlessly? What made them stand out in your mind? Did their presence or attitude inspire you?

In the bustling corridors of modern workplaces, technical skills and expertise are often prioritized in the pursuit of success.

However, amidst the flurry of deadlines and deliverables, one often-overlooked factor plays a pivotal role in driving organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction: emotional intelligence (EQ).

Here we explore the profound importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace and its transformative impact on organizational culture, collaboration, and overall success.

Emotional intelligence encompasses a myriad of skills, including self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. It is the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions while also recognizing and empathizing with the emotions of others. In the workplace, these skills are invaluable assets that underpin strong leadership, effective communication, and resilient teamwork.

At the heart of emotional intelligence lies empathy — the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others.

Empathetic workplaces foster a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, where employees feel valued and supported. When you demonstrate empathy in interactions, deeper connections and stronger relationships are built, enhancing morale and employee engagement.

Moreover, empathy promotes diversity and inclusion by acknowledging and validating the experiences and perspectives of all individuals within your organization. It cultivates a sense of belonging where employees feel respected and empowered to contribute their unique talents and insights. In turn, this diversity of thought fosters creativity, innovation, and adaptability, driving organizational growth and competitiveness in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Self-awareness is another cornerstone of emotional intelligence that holds profound implications for individual and organizational success.

Self-aware employees understand their strengths, weaknesses, and triggers, enabling them to navigate challenges with resilience and humility.

They seek feedback, embrace constructive criticism, and continuously strive for personal and professional growth, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the workplace.

Furthermore, self-aware leaders set a powerful example for their team, inspiring authenticity and transparency in their interactions. By acknowledging their own mistakes and vulnerabilities, they create a safe space for open dialogue and learning, fostering a culture of trust and psychological safety. In turn, this environment enables employees to take risks, share ideas, and collaborate more effectively, driving innovation and problem-solving across the organization.

Emotional regulation, the ability to manage and control one's emotions, is equally essential in the workplace.

Emotionally regulated individuals remain calm, composed, and focused under pressure, enabling them to make sound decisions and communicate effectively, even in challenging situations.

Leaders who model emotional regulation inspire confidence and stability in their team, fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability.

Emotional regulation promotes a positive work environment where conflicts are managed constructively, and stress is mitigated effectively. By fostering a culture of emotional well-being, you can reduce absenteeism, improve employee retention, and enhance overall productivity and performance.

In conclusion, emotional intelligence is not just a desirable trait in the workplace; it is a fundamental necessity for driving organizational success. Every small action can make an impact, imagine how much impact an organization can have if all members are keen on emotional intelligence.

We welcome you to share experiences or stories of interactions you have had where a colleague demonstrated strong emotional awareness.

Or, how to do attempt to demonstrate your emotional intelligence? What can you do to better support your colleagues?

Leading your team remotely (...best practices revealed!)

Remote team leadership has become more than just a buzzword; it's a necessity.

Remote work, or hybrid models at the very least, is becoming commonplace in many industries, and an Upwork study suggests that 22% of the American workforce will be remote by 2025.
-USA Today

So what does that mean for today's leaders?

During the pandemic, most of us had to work remote.

Four years later, some are still working remote, others have returned back to the office full time, and the rest have fallen into some sort of hybrid schedule. 

That means there's no way around it, we have to shift the way we lead.

We will no longer have (or will have way less!) in-person meetings, water cooler discussions, and pleasantries in the hallway. 

Not to mention it will also make reading body language and connecting with your team much more difficult.

Bottom line, we have to be more intentional-- much more intentional.

Focus on these 3 ways to improve the way you lead your team remotely… 

1. Communication
The Backbone of Remote Team Success

Communication serves as the backbone of any successful team, and in the realm of remote work, its importance is magnified.

Establish clear channels of communication.

Whether it's through video conferencing tools like Zoom, messaging platforms like Slack, or good old-fashioned emails, ensuring that team members can easily connect and communicate is paramount.

Additionally, setting expectations regarding response times and availability helps streamline communication and prevent misunderstandings.

Prioritize regular check-ins with team members to provide guidance, feedback, and support.

Regardless of the format, the goal is to maintain open lines of communication and foster a sense of connection among team members.

By investing in robust communication strategies, remote leaders lay the foundation for a cohesive and productive team dynamic.

2. Collaboration:
Fostering Innovation Across Distances

Collaboration lies at the heart of innovation, and remote team leadership must continue to facilitate meaningful collaboration despite physical distances.

Platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams provide tools for project management, file sharing, and real-time collaboration, empowering team members to work together efficiently, regardless of their locations.

Remote leaders should encourage a culture of collaboration by creating opportunities for brainstorming, ideation, and knowledge sharing.

Virtual whiteboarding sessions, collaborative document editing, and virtual team-building activities can foster creativity and camaraderie among team members. Additionally, assigning cross-functional projects or forming virtual task forces encourages collaboration across different departments, driving innovation and problem-solving.

Remote leaders should lead by example and actively participate in collaborative efforts, demonstrating their commitment to teamwork and collective success. By fostering a collaborative culture and providing the necessary tools and support, remote leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams and drive impactful outcomes.

3. Maintaining Team Morale
Nurturing a Positive Remote Culture

In the absence of physical proximity, maintaining team morale becomes a crucial aspect of remote team leadership.

The third, but arguably most important aspect of remote leadership, centers around nurturing a positive remote culture that fosters engagement, motivation, and well-being.

Remote leaders need to prioritize building rapport and trust with their team members, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

To maintain team morale, remote leaders should celebrate achievements, both big and small, and recognize the contributions of individual team members. Virtual shout-outs, appreciation emails, or virtual team celebrations can go a long way in boosting morale and fostering a sense of accomplishment.

Additionally, providing opportunities for professional development and career growth demonstrates a commitment to the personal and professional well-being of team members, enhancing overall job satisfaction and morale.

Remote leaders should prioritize work-life balance and mental health by promoting boundaries and encouraging downtime. Flexible work schedules, wellness initiatives, and mindfulness practices can help alleviate stress and prevent burnout among remote team members.

By prioritizing team morale and well-being, remote leaders not only enhance productivity and performance but also cultivate a positive and resilient team culture that thrives in the virtual environment.

Leading With Purpose: Cultivating Authentic Leadership

In today's fast-paced business world, leadership isn't just about steering the ship; it's about igniting a sense of purpose that drives teams to excel.

Purpose-driven leadership is all about aligning leadership practices with the core values and mission of the organization.

At its heart, purpose-driven leadership recognizes that businesses have a deeper reason for being beyond making money. Whether it's improving lives, sparking innovation, or making a positive impact on society, leaders who embrace this philosophy understand that success is about more than just the bottom line.

Central to purpose-driven leadership is the alignment of leadership practices with organizational values. When leaders embody and champion these values, they create a culture where every decision and action is guided by shared principles. This alignment fosters trust and cohesion among team members, inspiring all to work together towards common goals.

Purpose-driven leaders are skilled at articulating the organization's purpose in a way that resonates with their teams. By connecting individual tasks to the larger mission, leaders infuse work with meaning and significance, fueling intrinsic motivation and passion. But purpose-driven leadership isn't just about talking the talk; it's about walking the walk.

It's about embodying those core values in everything you do, from the way you communicate with your team to the decisions you make as a leader.

When you lead by example, you create a culture where everyone feels empowered to live out those values in their own work.

And speaking of communication, that's another key ingredient in purpose-driven leadership. It's not enough to just have a mission statement buried somewhere on your website. You've got to bring that mission to life, to make it real and tangible for your team. That means talking about it, celebrating it, and showing your team how their work directly contributes to that bigger picture.

Moreover, purpose-driven leaders prioritize empathy and inclusivity. By understanding the needs and challenges of team members, you create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. This sense of belonging drives loyalty and commitment among employees.

Continuous learning and growth are also central to purpose-driven leadership. (We always say, a good leader never stops learning!) Investing in the development of your team fosters a culture of innovation and demonstrate their commitment to their employees' success.

The impact of purpose-driven leadership extends beyond the organization itself. Companies led by purpose-driven leaders attract top talent, retain employees, and enjoy stronger customer loyalty. They also contribute positively to society and the environment, making a meaningful difference in the world.

In conclusion, purpose-driven leadership is a powerful force for organizational success and societal change.

By aligning leadership practices with organizational purpose and values, leaders inspire and motivate teams to achieve greatness. As you navigate the complexities of the modern world, purpose-driven leadership lights the way forward, guiding us towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

You can join Jeff on Thursday for this memorable event!

Do you recognize the soldier in the center of these photos?

It's Jeff, leading his battalion as they arrived home after completing their mission in Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

It was a seminal moment for Jeff, his fellow soldiers, and their families. 

This week Jeff will experience a full circle moment. 

He will be at The Mall in Washington, DC for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial.

Jeff, and hundreds of his fellow Desert Storm veterans. It will be an incredibly moving event honoring all those involved in the shortest war in American history. 

The length of this war does not, and should never, minimize its importance. 

If nothing else, the swift timeline highlights the critical factors that led to the this effort’s success. 

In the weeks leading up to the dedication Jeff has been working hard to ensure the event gets plenty of coverage and attention. 

Roughly 600,000 American troops were deployed in support both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, nearly 400 died.

These men and women all deserve to remembered and honored. 

The expected completion date of the memorial is 2024.

The groundbreaking will be streamed LIVE on Thursday, July 14th, starting at 8:45 am ET. 

If you can, we hope you will join!

Desert Storm offers lessons we should continue to learn from.

It was a time when the nation came together to support the military and their families. The "yellow ribbons" of support were everywhere.

Furthermore, it ended America’s estrangement from its military that had occurred during Vietnam. The military became one of the most respected institutions in the nation, almost overnight.

While American unity was at a high point, the world also came together in a common cause. The UN Security Council supported this effort, as did the Russians.

A coalition of 34 nations pushed an aggressor out of a country that it had invaded without any true justification. (Does this sound familiar?)

Additionally, the looming threat of Chemical and Biological warfare tends to get brushed aside when talking of Desert Shield/Storm.

This important history is also reflected in our current events.

Earlier this week President Biden left for Saudi Arabia in an attempt to improve US-Saudi relations. Desert Shield was launched to protect the Saudi monarchy in many ways from being overturned and the country occupied. It is interesting that the Kuwaiti government has donated a significant amount of money for the monument and will have a delegation present to include Ambassador Al Sabah.

While America closed a chapter on the past with a victory in 1991, we must continue to do what is right, today, and into the future.

The party's over.

We hope you had a wonderful and relaxing 4th of July weekend!

And now the party's over.

The grills have cooled down.

The fireworks shows have gone up in smoke.

The hot dogs, baked beans, chips, and watermelon have been eaten.

Now is a good time to reflect on this summer holiday that made us the country we are today....and hope to be in the future.

All organizations have a culture that defines them and they follow a mission and vision. And, the United States is no different.

Celebrating the 4th of July is part of our organizational culture.

It is an opportunity to reflect on our countries mission and vision.

The preamble of the Declaration of Independence states;

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness.

Separating from England, "the mother country," threatened American's sense of security, economic stability, and identity. Asserting our independence and securing it for posterity was the mission.

Are we living up to this mission?

Just like any organization, it is important to consider a vision for the future as well.

The founders refined our vision in the preamble of the United States Constitution. It states,

We the people of the United States, to form a more perfect Union....

Visions are aspirational, and young America was full of aspiration!

Our founders believed that growth and change was necessary.

Striving to know better, do better, and be better is part of who we are as Americans.

Are we living up to this vision?

In his 2018 book, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels, Jon Meacham writes,

To know what has come before is to be armed against despair. If the men and women of the past, with all their flaws and limitations and ambitions and appetites, could press on through ignorance and superstition, racism and sexism, selfishness and greed, to create a freer, stronger nation, then perhaps we, too, can right wrongs and take another step toward that most enchanting and elusive destinations: a more perfect Union.

On this week after our 4th of July holiday, where we celebrated our independence, our mission of equality, and vision to embrace change for the better, let's reflect if we are living up to what our founding fathers set before us - as individuals and a nation.

Our Summer Reading List

Summer is finally upon us. 

Schools are out, vacations are starting. 

It's time to read a few books!

We asked a few of our faculty members to provide us with book recommendations to create a short summer reading list. 

As you may expect, these are not your typical beach reads! 

Leadership, business, personal development, and history are always trending on Diamond6 bookshelves. 

Do you have a book you would recommend to us?

Comment below and let us know what it is AND why you recommend it. 

Maybe we'll do a Diamond6 readers’ list next!

First Friends; The Powerful, Unsung, and Unelected People Who Shaped Our Presidents by Gary Ginsberg
We often talk about leading the boss and that everybody needs somebody. That is also true with Presidents and Ginsberg’s analysis is compelling as he tells the stories of these “friends” who were influential advisors to American presidents at critical moments in their lives and our history.

The Great American Sports Page: A Century of Classic Columns from Ring Lardner to Sally Jenkins by Charles P. Pierce
Not only are sports columnists terrific writers, they tell compelling and interesting stories of sports heroes from all walks of life with passion and humor. This groundbreaking anthology spans nearly a century of sports writing featuring well known and lesser known athletes. Easy to read and the perfect travel companion, this book This is my summer read and have also placed it in my travel bag so I can read a couple of these on a flight.

Flying Blind by Peter Robison
This book is much more than just the 737 Max. Leadership requires task skills, behavioral skills, and future skills. By focusing on just task skills, copying Jack Welch, and not understanding the implications of doing so, Harry Stonecypher and lesser lights destroyed the safety culture of Boeing. Note the destructive power of arrogance.

The Edge: How 10 CEOs Learned to Lead – and the Lessons for us All by Michael Useem
Mike Useem, a management professor at the Wharton School, says a leader’s job in a radically changing world, is “standing on a cliff edge, getting a grip on unfamiliar landscapes, and acquiring the skills for leading the enterprise into new territory.” Useem interviews and draws lessons from ten leading CEOs who have faced and met critical challenges.

Twilight of the Gods by Ian Toll
The final volume of Toll’s Pacific War trilogy. Toll’s telling of the events of 1944-45 comes up to the high standard of his first two books in the series. No one else offers as complete a treatment of the war. No one else assesses the leadership challenges and social upheaval on all sides nearly as well. This lengthy book and series are worth the time it takes to read them.

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
When not intentional, human beings begin with what they know. They may follow a process which does not fit the circumstances. Only when it is too late do they consider context. This book implores us to start with context. Examples like the case of Sandra Bland are powerful illustrations of how specialization creates conflict which can lead to tragedy.

From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks.
Arthur C. Brooks tackles the challenge all of us will face sooner or later; that of moving from the ambitious striving for success at work that often characterizes the first half of life, to truly flourishing in the second half of life. This book is not about changing your diet and exercising more; rather, it digs deep into crafting a fresh mindset about work and life, and the importance of building connections and finding meaning as we age.

The Color of Lightning by Paulette Jiles
Historically based on Britt Johnson’s life, this short novel is set in the rugged days post-Civil War Texas and the Indian Territory. Johnson, a Black rancher, undertakes rescuing his kidnaped wife and children and the wife of his neighbor from their Kiowa-Comanche captors. Jiles rises above modern stereotypes of the period to describe conditions and courage that make the reader wiser about the times and its people.

The Lightmakers Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy by Karen Walrond
In The Lightmaker's Manifesto, Walrond helps us name the skills, values, and actions that bring us joy; identify the causes that spark our empathy and concern; and then put it all together to change the world. Creative and practical exercises, including journaling, daily intention-setting, and mindful self-compassion, are complemented by lively conversations with activists and thought leaders such as Valarie Kaur, Brené Brown, Tarana Burke, and Zuri Adele.

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant
Intelligence is usually seen as the ability to think and learn, but in a rapidly changing world, there's another set of cognitive skills that might matter more: the ability to rethink and unlearn. With bold ideas and rigorous evidence, Grant investigates how we can embrace the joy of being wrong, bring nuance to charged conversations, and build schools, workplaces, and communities of lifelong learners.

JEFF SET A WORLD RECORD!

Ok, let's be more specific.

He set a personal Diamond6 world record in number of workshops taught in a certain period of time.

But still, we're impressed!

Here's a quick summary between April 4 and June 18th. (Just 2 1/2 months!)

States visited: 8

Number of workshops taught (in person and online): 12

Number of participants: 210

Miles traveled: 27,100!

Can he break this record with all the workshops planned this fall? We'll see!

WE have a voice, it's time to use it.

The U.S. just experienced the deadliest weekend for mass shootings this year. 

There have been 245 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. 

Parents in Uvalde, TX have begun to bury their children and teachers after a gunman murdered them in their classroom. 

The community of Buffalo has laid their friends and family to rest after a racially motivated shooting at their local grocery store. 

Why are we just now talking about this in the D6 newsletter?

Because this is when we become complacent.

This is when we forget, and move on. 

When we accept this as our reality.

We cannot move on. We cannot forget. We cannot accept this as our reality. 

We are seeing the deadly results of a complete breakdown in leadership when it comes to common sense gun laws in America. 

Our elected leaders are choosing money and power over the lives of their constituents, and our children. 

We applaud Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr for his comments after the Uvalde shooting during a press conference. If you haven't watched it we encourage you to do so. 

Other basketball coaches have followed suit. San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich and former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski have publicly called on politicians to address our gun violence crisis immediately. 

They and many other public figures are using their platforms to speak truth to power. We are grateful to these leaders for speaking out and demanding change. 

As leaders in our families, schools, and communities we have a voice too, and it is our responsibility to use that voice.

But speaking out is not enough. We have to DO something if want change to happen. 

We have been looking for an organization to support in this important work. 

We found Moms Demand Action. 

Moms Demand Action is a national, grassroots movements of Americans ("mothers and others" as they like to say), fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence.

They pass stronger gun laws and work to close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. They also work within communities and with business leaders to encourage a culture of responsible gun ownership.

Action is the antidote to grief, despair, and feelings of hopelessness.

If you are experiencing any of these feelings and are called to action we encourage you to take a look at Moms Demand Action.

Their work is giving us hope.

Below are three starting points that we found helpful in learning about Moms Demand Action, their philosophy, their work, and how we can support them.

How you can take action:

• Listen to this powerful interview with Shannon Watts, Moms Demand Action founder on the We Can Do Hard Things podcast (listen via Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts).
  

• Find a virtual or in-person information meeting and events to learn more about how you can get involved with Moms Demand Action.
  

• Donate to help their goals of pressuring lawmakers to improve gun laws, raise awareness about gun violence, and educate the public about responsible gun ownership.

Edmund Burke said it best...

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

Maybe it's time for "Moms" to take this one....

DID YOU KNOW?
A few facts on gun violence in America

That firearms are the leading cause of death among children and teens in United States.

We live in a country where gun homicide rate is 26x higher than that of other high income countries.

Our federal, state, and local governments are spending a combined average of $34.8 million each day to deal with the aftermath of gun violence across the country. The total annual bill for taxpayers, survivors, families, employers, and communities is $280 billion. This is money that could be invested in public services to improve quality of life for all Americans.

Over one million ads on Armslist (the Craigslist of guns) do not require a background check for someone to purchase a gun. This has resulted in guns ending up in the hands of convicted felons, domestic abusers, gang members, and gun traffickers.

(Information from Everytown for Gun Safety, parent organization of Moms Demand Action)

This is the most important thing we can talk about right now.

Seems our little reminder about Lily landed for a few folks!

We're so grateful for your support and willingness to continue to share Lily's story with the hope of finding her a kidney donor. 

And, there is still work to be done.

You asked us a really important question and we got you an answer!

You asked us for Lily’s blood type. As you can imagine this is one of the FIRST ways to know if you, or someone you know, could be a match for Lily.

Lily's blood type is O+. 

None of her family members are a good match and it could take years for Lily to find a match via a transplant list. Lily is undergoing daily dialysis treatments so she doesn't have that kind of time left. 

Are you an O+ blood type?

If you're interested in seeing if you could be a match and learning about the process please email Donna Tissot, Lily’s advocate, and she will assist you. Her email address is: donnat628@gmail.com

An inquiry does not mean you have committed to anything. Donna can simply give you information and answer your questions. 

You can read more about Lily and her story HERE. 

NOT A MATCH? YOU CAN STILL HELP! 
There are two ways... 

1. Share Lily’s story.

When you share a message you never know how far and wide your reach may be. Thank you for taking a minute to forwarding this to your network. 

2. Learn about kidney donation. 
Most often, just KNOWING something can help someone. Taking a few minutes to learn about kidney donation means we can simply be more aware and have informed conversations with others on this important topic. Who knows! It could help us inform or encourage someone else to become a donor. 

In 2016, Dylan Matthews donated his kidney to a complete stranger. He documents how and why in his incredible story, How to Save a Stranger's Life. 

Listen to the podcast HERE. 
Read the article HERE.  
Watch the video HERE. 

Thank you for taking a moment to read this and for potentially saving Lily's life. 

#TeamLily

-Jeff & The Diamond6 Team

We haven't seen Jeff in weeks. Here's why...

It's true, we haven't seen Jeff in weeks!

He left the rest of us here in the office while heading to Hawaii nearly two weeks ago to run a leadership workshop with students from Penn State University.

Then, earlier this week he traded in his Hawaiian shirt for a coat and fancy hat to join his classmates at his 50th college reunion from West Point. 

We're not at all bitter about it. Really, we're not ;)

He will surely regale us with many stories of his travel adventures when he returns to the office. We can't wait to hear them!

Storytelling is such a powerful and engaging teaching tool. Stories help connect us to each other, to events, and to lessons. 

That is why we use storytelling in all our leadership workshops. 

One of the consequences and most important lessons from the Attack on Pearl Harbor, is that it germinated a unity amongst the American people; that great team called the nation. 

Talk about a great story!

In this McCausland Monday video and blog post Jeff shares the background of an important monument at Pearl Harbor and the most important lesson we can learn from this historic event. 

CLICK HERE for the video and blog post. 

Help us help Lily

We have a special request for you.

As you may have heard us mention before, our friend and colleague, Lily Din Woo, needs our help. 

Lily found out that she had Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease in early 2018 and was placed on the transplant list at Weill Cornell Medical Center in September of 2018. In the summer of 2020, she became extremely ill, spending 5 months in the hospital. Her situation has gotten progressively worse and now has End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). She is undergoing daily dialysis for 10 hours each night. She desperately needs our help. 

The wait for a deceased donor in New York is 7-10 years. Chances for survival is greatly increased if she gets a living donor.

Doctors have advised Lily to actively seek a living kidney donor as soon as possible.

Feel free to share this email with your friends, colleagues, and larger network. Together we may be able to find the donor Lily is so desperately searching for. 

You can also share this information on your social networks. The goal is to spread Lily's story far and wide. 

==============================================

Here's how you can help Lily:

If you are interested in learning more about the kidney donation process or in becoming a potential donor for Lily, please register at: https://cornell.donorscreen.org

Please indicate "donor for Lily Woo" on the registration form. This does not commit you to anything. 

If you have any questions please email Donna Tissot, Lily’s advocate, and she will assist you. Her email address is: donnat628@gmail.com

==============================================

More about Lily

If you have heard Lily speak at one of our workshops you know that she is an incredible person, educator, leader, and friend. We are so grateful to her for sharing her time and wisdom with all of you! Her stories and experiences have provided invaluable insights to us all.

Lily has served her community as a school principal for 25 years and has received many awards in her life for her service: most notable were the NYC and NYS Distinguished Educator Awards in 2002; recognition by the 2004 World Olympics Committee as an “Everyday Hero” and had the honor of running part of the New York City leg of the Summer World Olympics Torch Relay that year; and Manhattan Media’s 2010 “Principal of the Year” Blackboard Award. At her retirement celebration in 2014, she received proclamations from the City Council and the NYS Senate for her long-standing service as principal in her school and community, and most recently in 2016, received recognition as one of City University of New York’s Outstanding Asian American Alumni.

As a hobby, Lily is a drum corps enthusiast. From the time when she was seven, she was a part of a community drum corps in Chinatown. During the late 1970’s, she was a part of the Bills Boys Drum and Bugle Corps horn line and later joined the New York Skyliners to become one of the few females in their horn line. She also marched as part of Sky’s Championship Honor Guard for several years in the 1990’s and served as assistant drum major for the competing corps from 2005-07. She was given the honor as a lifetime member of the New York Skyliners field corps in 2015. Today, she is still a member of the Skyliners Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps and still plays whenever she is well enough and able to.